Are there any USB telescopes?

Question

Are there any telescopes that can be controlled by a computer and take images by USB?

I meant the telescope can actually be aimed at the sky and focused and so on by USB. Basically I meant looking at the sky using the telescope by only looking at the computer screen instead of being physically at the telescope. That way somebody could just put the telescope on the roof of their house and sit inside where it's warm to browse the sky.

Answer 1

Yep, check out the Meade Telescope site. Great new stuff in astronomy.

Answer 2

Yes, there are. Another solution is to buy a CCD eyepiece attachment. See below.


http://www.spaceandastronomy.com.au/prod247.htm


Saxon CCD Camera for Telescope


CCD Colour Imager

Very easy to use, just put the end of the camera into the telescope instead of your eyepiece. Connects to your computer via a USB cable, don't have to worry about batteries as the camera is powered by the USB port on your computer. Powerful software supplied as standard that allows you to adjust brightness etc.

Record still photos by clicking on the snap shot controller.

Possibilities are endless!
You can increase magnification of the camera by using with a barlow lens.


Camera Features

Sensor : 1/3" CMOS
Video Format : 24-bit Colour
Shutter : Electronic controlled
Resolution : 640 x 480 ( Good Quality )
S/N ratio : Equals to 48db or above
Aperture : 1.25"
Power : Via USB Port 9.5V
Operating Temperature : 0-40 degree Celcius

REQUIRES LAPTOP COMPUTER WITH USB PORT.

If you do not have a laptop computer the CCD imager can also be used with your computer inside by purchasing a USB extension cable. Contact us for more details.

Supplied with :

Software on CD
Manual
CCD Imager

Answer 3

Yes there are...
Just search on yahoo or google "USB Telescope". Pay attention as, some of the returned results will point to USB Cables for digital imagind devices (including telescopes).
Hope this helps.

Answer 4

yes, but dont forget that looking at a computer screen will ruin your nightvision for a while.

I guess this isnt a problem if you intend on peeping on your neighbors, but might take the fun our of seeing meteor showers

Answer 5

yes. discovery channel shop sells them. i'd try the web site first, as it has been years since i saw it advertised.

Answer 6

if you think there are